political spectrum to go over the fiscal cliff than it is to agree to some of the things they're talking about. >> ruth, where do you stand, deal or no deal? >> not who deal, but who are more pessimistic. the clock is really ticking. about ten legislative days left in the year. outlines are there but the willingness to do it and the ability to get it done in time, i'm more disappointed than i thought i would be at this point. on the other hand, this is the moment of posturing. so it could all come together at the last moment. a christmas present. >> there has been plenty of that. tim geithner, he's going out to talk to these leaders. what does he say, for example, in these meetings with reed and t reid and the other leaders? >> opening line is it's dangerous to get over the cliff so let's get there. my reporters tell me there are contours to a deal. the senate democrats moving a little on entitlements. a day after dick durbin number two democrat said we shouldn't talk about entitlements in the fiscal cliff deal. i'm hearing from senate leadership aides who are saying it's the republicans